Therapeutic Intervention of COVID-19 by Natural Products: A Population-Specific Survey Directed Approach

Abstract

To date very few promising leads from natural products (NP) secondary metabolites with antiviral and immunomodulatory properties have been identified for promising/potential intervention for COVID-19. Using in-silico docking studies and genome based various molecular targets, and their in vitro anti-SARS CoV-2 activities against whole cell and/or selected protein targets, we select a few compounds of interest, which can be used as potential leads to counteract effects of uncontrolled innate immune responses, in particular those related to the cytokine storm. A critical factor for prevention and treatment of SARS-CoV-2 infection relates to factors independent of viral infection or host response. They include population-related variables such as concurrent comorbidities and genetic factors critically relevant to COVID-19 health disparities. We discuss population risk factors related to SARS-CoV-2. In addition, we focus on virulence related to glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase deficiency (G6PDd), the most common human enzymopathy. Review of data on the response of individuals and communities with high prevalence of G6PDd to NP, prompts us to propose the rationale for a population-specific management approach to rationalize design of therapeutic interventions of SARS-CoV-2 infection, based on use of NP. This strategy may lead to personalized approaches and improve disease-related outcomes.

In silico investigation and potential therapeutic approaches of natural products for COVID-19: Computer-aided drug design perspective

“…Covid infection initiates from interaction with Angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE2) receptors and transmembrane protease serine 2 (TMPRSS) on the host cell membrane. However, preventive approaches, including maintaining distance, washing hands, and wearing masks, can reduce the morbidity and mortality rate of COVID-19 ( Gomez et al., 2021 ). Several vaccine candidates are being developed, but it is challenging as they contain nucleotide and protein-based components that require sensitive manufacturing and storage conditions.…”

Probing the Action of Screened Anticancer Triazole–Tetrazole Derivatives Against COVID-19 Using Molecular Docking and DFT Investigations

“…4,7 Some of the drugs are commercially available and well known, 8,9 while others are based on preclinical studies. 10,11 In both cases, the repurposing/repositioning method is faster and less expensive than the novel synthesis. 12 With virus-infected cells and cancer cells showing similar features, the treatment goals for both SARS-CoV-2 and cancer are considered similar.…”

“…4,7 Some of the drugs are commercially available and well known, 8,9 while others are based on preclinical studies. 10,11 In both cases, the repurposing/repositioning method is faster and less expensive than the novel synthesis. 12…”

Molecular Docking and Dynamics Investigations for Identifying Potential Inhibitors of the 3-Chymotrypsin-like Protease of SARS-CoV-2: Repurposing of Approved Pyrimidonic Pharmaceuticals for COVID-19 Treatment

“…The efforts by governments, health organizations, and other sectors to stem the alarmingly increasing numbers of deaths and cases were unprecedented [1][2][3][4][5][6]. However, SARS-CoV-2 continues to threaten the world, with over four million deaths and 227 million cases as of 16 September 2021 (https://www.worldometers.info/coronavirus/ accessed on 27 November 2021). COVID-19 was declared a pandemic by the World Health Organization on 11 March 2020.…”

“…Recent and ongoing research has reported that some pharmaceutical, synthetic, and natural products can act as 3CL pro inhibitors or against SARS-CoV-2 in general. These include selenium-containing heterocyclic compounds, chloroquine phosphate, indinavir, darunavir, lopinavir, eravacycline, naproxen, salix cortex, antioxidants, chiral phytochemicals from Opuntia ficus-indica, elbasvir, valrubicin, favipiravir isoflavone, and myricitrin [6,[14][15][16][17][18][19][20][21][22]. Although some of these have entered human clinical trials or were even approved, more studies are still needed.…”